Denard Robinson 'probably' delayed injury recovery by playing in Michigan's final 3 games

Denard Robinson was limited during the first two Senior Bowl practices due to an October injury that coach Brady Hoke expected to be day to day.Associated Press

MOBILE, Ala. -- Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Denard Robinson would be day to day after injuring his elbow against Nebraska.

It has been 88 days. He's still hurting.

Robinson says now that playing in the Wolverines' final three games likely delayed his return from the nerve damage he sustained to his right elbow.

"Probably is," the former quarterback said during a news conference Wednesday night at the Senior Bowl. "But I'm not a doctor. I can't assess myself."

Robinson damaged the nerve Oct. 27, when a Nebraska player stepped on him after a second-quarter run. He didn't return to the game, then missed the next two weeks.

But Robinson, the FBS' all-time rushing leader at quarterback, vowed to return to help lead Michigan down the stretch. And he did, returning Nov. 17 against Iowa -- senior day at Michigan Stadium -- to play tailback, receiver and quarterback.

He filled a similar role the following week against Ohio State, then in the Outback Bowl against South Carolina.

Robinson was productive in those games, rushing 46 times for 340 yards and catching three passes for 31 yards. But playing came at a price.

He says he aggravated the injury "a little bit" while playing through the pain.

Nearly three months later, Robinson still is battling the injury. He has periodic numbness, and isn't able to extend his right pinky properly.

He was held out of most contact drills his first two days of Senior Bowl practice, a critical time when NFL hopefuls can log consistent reps in front of scouts from every pro team. That's particularly important for a player such as Robinson, who has to prove himself at a new position.